How to Keep Cool this summer in an Eco-Friendly Way

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As temperatures rise, so does the need people have to keep cool. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of the options we have for beating the heat aren’t the most environmentally friendly. But actually, there’s no need to rely solely on the air conditioner for relief from the sweltering weather; there are in fact ways to cool down that are more earth-friendly. Below are some tips for chilling out this summer in an ecologically responsible way!

Open Windows

Opening your windows in the coolness of the morning and evening can help keep your house at a more reasonable temperature. Nighttime temperatures tend to drop considerably from those in the daytime, so take advantage of it, and let nature keep your house cool.

Buy Blackout Curtains

Keeping your window coverings pulled shut during the hottest part of the day can really help keep your house cool. Using blackout curtains will improve your odds from keeping the sun’s scorching rays from entering your house through your windows, which will ensure a cooler temperature in your home.

Have Cold Showers

I’m not advocating using excess water this summer, (as that’s also not good for the environment), but if you’re going to be in the shower anyway, why not make it a cold one? It’ll definitely leave you feeling refreshed, and it’s a great way to cool down your body’s internal temperature.

Hydrate!

Drinking lots of cold water will keep you feeling chilled from the inside out. (And remember, since we’re looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly, be sure to use a refillable container! Let’s not add to the landfills with more plastic water bottles.)

Go Swimming

…but not in a pool, as those often unnecessarily waste a lot of our natural resources. Find a lake and make a day of it. Temperatures are often 2-3 degrees cooler by the water, and in addition, it can be extremely refreshing to take some quick dips.

Take it Outside

If it’s roasting outside, the last thing anyone wants to do is bake inside. Cooking inside can heat your house (and yourself!) up unnecessarily, so start up the BBQ, and make dinner on the outdoor grill.

Frequent Public Buildings

If there are certain tasks that you need to do anyway, why not take care of them during the hottest part of the day? Shopping centers and grocery stores keep their air conditioning on regardless, so go ahead and enjoy theirs for free, and you can keep yours off for the environment. Everyone wins!

Plant a Tree

Planting trees around your house to shade it from the sun can reduce cooling costs up to 40 per cent! (Make sure you use deciduous (leaf-losing) trees as they’re the ones that provide your house with the best shade.

It’s not hard to do your part for the environment AND keep cool at the same time. It just takes some creativity and forethought and both you and the earth will benefit.